Canada is fielding a team of 265 athletes — its largest team for a non-home Commonwealth Games.

Flag bearer Susan Nattrass leads the Canadian team as they arrive at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland on Wednesday.

By:Rob Harris Published on Wed Jul 23 2014

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—The Loch Ness Monster, tartan-clad bagpipers and giant pieces of shortbread took the place of footballers on the Celtic Park pitch as the Commonwealth Games began with a celebration of Scottish mythology and traditions on Wednesday.

Scotland is hosting the 20th edition of the games for former British colonies as its own future as part of Britain could be coming to an end.

With an independence referendum coming on Sept. 18, the issue of Scotland’s national identity is in sharp focus, and organizers made light of perceptions of the country with a self-deprecating start to the ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II.

A big screen stretching the length of the pitch flashed those things so closely associated with Scotland, including Nessie, Peter Pan and whiskey.

Canada’s flag bearer, Susan Nattrass, a seven-time world champion in trap shooting, waved the Maple Leaf as she marched, clad in a kilt, ahead of her teammates.

The Canadians, wearing red and white jackets over red plaid pants, entered Celtic Park to Arcade Fire’s “Rebellion (Lies)” and a loud roar from the fans.

Canada is fielding a team of 265 athletes — its largest team for a non-home Commonwealth Games — and it hopes to climb back onto the overall podium after finishing fourth at the Games four years ago in New Delhi, India.

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